Chelsea Transfers Who Could Fix the Blues' Biggest Problems

They already have a valuable addition in the form of striker Demba Ba, but there are still two main problems that need to be addressed.

First, another striker is needed. Ba seems to have settled in quickly, but the Blues still only have two strikers and a busy schedule. One injury or suspension would be enough to recreate the problem that Ba was brought in to solve.

Second, the Africa Cup of Nations means that Chelsea will be without John Obi Mikel once again. Chelsea need one more defensive midfielder to shore up the ranks.

There are a couple of players who could be brought in to solve this problem, but not all are realistic for Chelsea right now. For example, Radamel Falcao is a striker who would be welcome in any Premier League squad, but he is an expensive player who looks comfortable at his current club, Atletico Madrid. He is not a viable option as a supplementary striker to Torres and Ba.

Romelu Lukaku would have been a good option, but it was recently confirmed (via Fox News) that he will be staying until the end of the season. Chelsea have been linked with Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo. Although such a move seems less likely after Ba's transfer, Negredo would be a good addition to the squad and create a real competition for places up front.

The Africa Cup of Nations is the bane of every Premier League manager with African players in his squad. This year, Chelsea will be missing Nigeria stars Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel. There is already sufficient cover for the loss of Moses. Oscar, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Ramires are a few of Chelsea's creative options.

However, Mikel's absence will highlight the need for another defensive midfielder to complete their squad. David Luiz has been doing well in the role, but he is still learning the ropes of the position, and if the Blues are to continue competing on multiple fronts this season, they will need more of a specialist. Etienne Capoue is an excellent player, but he might be expensive. Paulinho is another excellent option who, although he could be expensive, might fit in well with Chelsea's already strong Brazilian contingent.

More transfers will be needed in the summer if Chelsea are to be a bigger force, both domestically and in Europe, next season. But if they address these two immediate problems, it is not too late to turn this season into a successful one for the Blues.